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WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry secured a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to participate in the 2023 WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) allowing recipients to buy locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, and cut herbs from farmers at approved farmers markets and roadside stands.  Women, infants (over 4 months old), and children that have been certified to receive WIC program benefits are eligible to participate in the WIC FMNP.  Currently, this program is only available in Avoyelles, Beauregard, Caddo, Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, Grant, Iberia, Jefferson, Lafourche, Orleans, Ouachita, Plaquemines, Rapides, Vernon and Winn parishes at certain WIC clinics.

  • Through the grant, those who qualify will receive food benefits cards with a value of $30.
  • Food benefits cards are not permitted for grocery stores or non-participating farmers.
  • Only farmers that have signed “Farmer Participation Agreements” with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry may accept the food benefits cards.
  • Current issue food benefits will expire on November 30, 2023.
  • Recipients who receive food benefits also will receive a directory, listing participating farmers’ markets and roadside stands where the food benefits may be spent.

Participants must apply every year. Participants who received food benefits in 2022 will not automatically receive them this year.  Recipients who qualify for the food benefits cards must go to their local WIC clinic to re-apply for the program.

For more information about the WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program, call 985-345-9483.